Mobile phones may help partially sighted 'see' better

Published: Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 12:15 [IST]

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Washington, May 18 (ANI): Mobile phones or hand-held games consoles can be used to provide training course for partially-sighted people, helping them become more self-reliable, according to a new study.

The new research has found that a computer-based technique developed and assessed by Durham University improved partially-sighted people's ability to 'see' better. It may eventually improve and broaden the portfolio of rehabilitation techniques for partially-sighted patients.

The study tested the technique on patients who suffer from a condition affecting their sight called hemianopia.

Hemianopia sufferers lose half of their visual field due to stroke or other brain injury. They are heavily dependent on others as they struggle with balance, walking, finding things around the house, and they are not normally able to drive.

The study, which tested patients' visual ability before and after the training, found that patients became faster and more accurate at detecting objects, such as coloured dots or numbers, on a computer screen.

The researchers believe the test helped patients to compensate for their lost vision by exploring their 'blind field' more, which is the part of the visual field affected by the brain damage. Further research is needed to pinpoint exactly why the technique helps patients to 'see' better but the scientists believe it is likely due to improved attention, concentration and awareness of their visual problems.

The study findings offer hope that people who receive regular training like this could live more independently in their day-to-day lives because their visual ability would be improved.Lead researcher, Dr Alison Lane, from Durham University's Psychology Department, said: "This research shows us that basic training works in getting people to use their 'poor' visual side better.

"Although we are not yet sure why this happens, we think it might be because training increases their attention, concentration and awareness of their 'blind' field.

"We think attention is key in improving people's abilities to use their limited vision."

She added: "This simple technique is a very viable rehabilitation option and in future could be easily accessible at low cost to everyone who needs it."

The Durham study compared two types of rehabilitation techniques - one focused on exploration and the other on attention.Neither training option is currently available on the NHS although alternative training programmes can be bought privately.

The research, which tested 46 patients, found that the basic attention training without the need for patients to move their eyes extensively was for the most part as effective at rehabilitation as the more specialised exploration technique.

The scientists say patients may even be able to see similar improvements in their vision by playing mainstream computer games, particularly those whereby you need to scan virtual environments with your eyes.